Sister Lori Ssmn High

1957 - 2025

High, Sister Lori SSMN

Sep 9, 1957 - Oct 5, 2025

Sister Lori High (Loryn Stephanie High) was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Barbara and Ellis High. After graduating from Mount Sr. Mary Academy in 1975, she studied at S.U.N.Y. in Buffalo, finishing her degree work for her B. A. in Anthropology, and entering the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur shortly afterward. Her education as well as her ministry was quite varied. Besides her B. A. from S.U.N.Y., she went to Canisius College for certification in youth ministry, Andover Newton Theological School for certification in pastoral education, and Fordham University in Greenville, S.C., for teacher effectiveness training. She also received her M.A. from Christ the King Seminary in pastoral ministry. Sister Lori's ministry had the same variety. She taught at Mount St. Mary Academy in Kenmore, St. Jude’s High School in Sumter, South Carolina, DeSales Catholic Grade School in Lockport, St. Marie College in Kibuye, Rwanda. She was also missioned for a year in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She did Pastoral Ministry and Faith Formation at St. Joseph University Parish in Buffalo, Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Orchard Park, Queen of Heaven Parish in West Seneca, Annunciation Parish in Elma. Most recently she was responsible for St. George's Parish in West Falls. Sister's refugee ministry was in Harlingen, Texas and St. Catherine's in Ontario, Canada. Underlying all her work was a strong call to justice which surfaced in various ways. It always was a part of her ministry, and spoke to the larger public through many letters to the editor and her participation in a variety of protests, culminating in her arrest during a peace rally in front of the State Department Building in Buffalo. In a piece that she wrote for the Western New York Catholic, Sister Lori said, "Each of us needs to challenge ourselves." That was almost her motto, as she drove herself from one difficult task to another, always with a smile and a casual look as if to say, "Well, I'll try." Sister Lori is survived by her niece, Monika Haar, her Alfieri family in Rochester and her Religious community. Her wake will be at St. Mary's Center (241 Lafayette Ave. Buffalo, NY 14213 on Thursday October 9th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed the Mass of the Resurrection at 7:00 p.m. Donations in her name may also be sent to the same address. Condolences may be shared at FrettholdandHamp.com.